Blinken Rules Out Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken pointed out that negotiations between Russia and Ukraine are currently off the table, noting that Moscow has to show its readiness for "constructive" talks.

During his meeting with the German press on Friday, Blinken stated that Russia had to demonstrate its willingness to engage in "constructive negotiations" with the goal of a "just and lasting peace."

Although the idea of a ceasefire may be "tempting," it will not contribute to a "just and lasting peace" if it means "ratification" of Moscow's control over the territories that joined Russia after the start of the military operation in Ukraine, according to the American official.

Last month, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov commented on remarks by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenka to establish a truce in Ukraine.

Peskov revealed that the special military operation in Ukraine is now the only means of achieving the goals facing Russia.

"In the context of Ukraine, nothing changes. A special military operation continues since this is today the only means of achieving the goals that our country faces," he said.